Have you visited any farmers’ markets in Columbia, SC? Are you looking for opportunities to support local farmers, artists, crafters, and musicians? Whether you’re in need of great places to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, unique artwork, baked goods, or even fresh flowers, we’ve got several places for you! Below, we’ve got a list of the best farmers’ markets in and around Columbia!
Be sure to also check out our restaurant guide for ideas on where to enjoy fresh produce, kid-friendly meals, and more!
Why Try a Columbia, SC Farmers Market?
Farmers’ markets are not only a fantastic way to support local farmers and other small businesses but also a great way to pick out flavorful food that is oftentimes a lot better for our health! Get fresh veggies and fruit at peak season. Several vendors at the farmers’ markets listed below provide organic, local produce; allergy-free products such as sauces, spices, and baked goods; as well as cage and chemical-free eggs and meat.
Aside from delicious foods, these local markets also have one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items and focus on all forms of art – painting, photography, sewing, music, woodwork, etc. The atmosphere at farmers’ markets is always so laid-back, making for a wonderful social event with your family and friends!
Our Favorite Farmers Markets: Columbia SC
Columbia Farmers Markets include:
Soda City Market
West Columbia Meeting Street Artisan Market
Clemson Sandhill Market
Blythewood Farmers Market
Lake Carolina Farmers Market
South Carolina State Farmers Market
You can find a local farmers’ market happening almost every day of the week. Most of these run from spring – late fall; however, there are a few markets that continue year-round! Pro tip: before heading out, be sure to grab a decent-sized bag to carry around and hold all of your fresh produce, specialty items, and unique finds – we promise you’ll need it!
Soda City Market
Address: 1300 – 1600 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
When: Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, year-round
Looking for a fantastic way to start your Saturday morning? The Soda City Market in downtown Columbia will not disappoint. Seriously, you haven’t been to a farmers market until you’ve been to Soda City! Several blocks of Main Street are closed off for this event, allowing people to walk in the road and on the sidewalks. The best part is, you can shop year-round!
Each weekend you can expect to find around 150 vendors. Soda City is a producer-only market which means that everything you find will be handmade or grown by the vendors. Some things you can expect to find here are small, local farmers selling delicious fruits and veggies, flowers, food vendors, coffee trucks, clothing, homemade bread, paintings, musicians, sweet treats, and SO MUCH more.
All walkways are wide enough for strollers and wagons; however, they can be a bit tricky to maneuver through the crowds during peak times. This is one of the many reasons why we suggest getting there as early as possible, especially if you’ve got smaller kiddos! Furry friends are welcome to join you at the market as well.
If you decide to check out Soda City, there are several options for parking. Keep in mind that metered spots are free on Saturdays. But, if you can’t find a metered space, there are three nearby parking garages to try on Lady Street, Taylor Street, and Washington Street. My family and I usually head straight to the garage on Taylor Street as it is only half a block away from the action!
West Columbia Farmers’ Market
Address: WeCo Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC
Under the pavilion at the WeCo Interactive Art Park you will find this awesome farmers market! The Artisan Market has several vendors such as local artists, baked goods, seasonal produce, and crafts. After finishing up your shopping, take a stroll through the Art Park or try out a new restaurant as there are several to choose from within just a few blocks of the market. Check out their calendar on their website for market and special event dates!
West Columbia Meeting Street Artisan Market
Clemson Sandhill Farmers Market
Address: 900 Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229
When: Tuesdays from 2 pm to 6 pm beginning in May and ending in November
At the Clemson Sandhill Farmers Market you will find farmers from all around the region selling fresh and seasonal produce, local honey, baked goods, flowers, eggs, farm-raised meat, and a whole lot more! There are also various crafters and artists that sell their work – paintings, jewelry, and unique clothing items, just to name a few. The Clemson Sandhill Farmers’ Market will being the 2023 season on May 2nd!
Clemson Sandhill Farmers Market
Blythewood Farmers Market
Address: Doko Meadows Park – 171 Langford Road, Blythewood, SC 29016
When: Wednesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm beginning in spring and ending in fall
The Blythewood Farmers Market is set up in the large field all around the amphitheater at Doko Meadows Park. Here, you will find over 30 vendors ranging from fresh produce to a table for the local library and everything in between.
By visiting their website you can see a detailed list of vendors each week and where they will be set up around the park. The 11th season of the Blythewood Farmers’ Market begins April 17, 2024!
There is so much for kids to do at the Blythewood Farmers Market. Most weeks, you can find the “Amazing Train Ride” setup. This is a 4-minute long “train ride” that your kiddos will love!
Also, with the Doko playground and walking trails close by, you can allow them to get some energy out before heading back home and cooking up your fresh veggies!
We have lots more on what you’ll find at Doko Meadows Park in our review!
Lake Carolina Farmers Market
Address: 300 Long Pointe Lane, Columbia, SC 29229
When: Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm beginning in April and ending in October
The Lake Carolina Farmers Market is a smaller-scale market found within the popular Lake Carolina neighborhood in northeast Columbia. Although it is located within a neighborhood, the farmers market is open to the public.
This can be a great place to go for a quick stop if you’re in need of fresh vegetables, fruits, sweets, or handcrafted items such as wreaths, soaps, jewelry and more! Along with the vendors, each week you will also be able to listen to live music.
There are almost always fun activities for children to engage in as well – sprinklers to run in, dressed-up characters, a petting zoo, animal balloon makers, etc.
South Carolina State Farmers Market
Address: 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC 29172
When: Open 7 days a week, but vendor hours will vary
The SC State Farmers Market is massive and has several different buildings and amenities within it. There are specific areas for wholesale vendors, agricultural goods, and a farmer’s shed for farmers to rent spaces in order to sell their goods. Also found at the market is a retail building with a restaurant, bakery, and general store within.
You can find just about anything at the state farmers market. They’ve got fresh seafood at the “Seafood Cottage,” beautiful flowers and plants, local produce, and even artists and crafters. The recommended time to go in order to get the best produce is between April and October.
A well-known and popular event held here is the “Midlands Plant and Flower Festival.” This is usually a weekend-long event where you can find HUNDREDS of different flowers and plants for the coming season.
Even if you don’t have an interest in taking any plants home, it is still a neat event to go to!
South Carolina State Farmers Market
What is your favorite thing about our local farmers’ markets?
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